This is a read-only archive. No new posts or registrations. Privacy Page
Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal

Virus help

8 min read

This thread's last reply is from . Advice, software, and links below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Looking for the outcome? Ask AI

Hello, I recieved a pop up indicating I had a trojan horse from Microsoft security essentials the problem is I dont have this program. I did a quick search and it appears to be a virus. when I click on explorer it pops up, even in safe mode. I ran Malware and it did detect and remove the virus but I would like to be sure it's totally gone. My pc does at this point appear ok. Log below. thanks much for the help.
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.4
Scan saved at 10:11:07 AM, on 11/17/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\sched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avguard.exe
C:\WINDOWS\arservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avshadow.exe
C:\Program Files\Bigfoot Networks\Killer Driver\PortManager.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\nTune\nTuneService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared files\RichVideo.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\System Update\UpdateCenterService.exe
C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\nTune\nTuneCmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\IntelDH\Intel® Quick Resume Technology\ELService.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\vssvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1230928404\ee\aolsoftware.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\HiJackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: PBlockHelper Class - {4115122B-85FF-4DD3-9515-F075BEDE5EB5} - C:\PROGRA~1\NETSCA~1\NETSCA~1\pbhelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Groove GFS Browser Helper - {72853161-30C5-4D22-B7F9-0BBC1D38A37E} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveShellExtensions.dll
O2 - BHO: AOL Toolbar Launcher - {7C554162-8CB7-45A4-B8F4-8EA1C75885F9} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 5.0\aoltb.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AOL Toolbar - {DE9C389F-3316-41A7-809B-AA305ED9D922} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 5.0\aoltb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {59EDDB9B-5506-42A2-A73A-1364EDB1CB38} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] %WINDIR%\Creator\Remind_XP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\nView\nwiz.exe /installquiet
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avgnt] "C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe" /min
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Pure Networks Port Magic] "C:\PROGRA~1\PURENE~1\PORTMA~1\PortAOL.exe" -Run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [GrooveMonitor] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlwaysReady Power Message APP] ARPWRMSG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [NBJ] "C:\Program Files\Ahead\Nero BackItUp\NBJ.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AOL Toolbar Search - c:\program files\aol\aol toolbar 5.0\resources\en-US\local\search.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - {2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll
O9 - Extra button: AOL Toolbar - {3369AF0D-62E9-4bda-8103-B4C75499B578} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 5.0\aoltb.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - C:\WINDOWS\bdoscandel.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Uninstall BitDefender Online Scanner v8 - {85d1f590-48f4-11d9-9669-0800200c9a66} - C:\WINDOWS\bdoscandel.exe
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {B205A35E-1FC4-4CE3-818B-899DBBB3388C} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Encarta Search Bar\ENCSBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\bfllr.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\bfllr.dll
O10 - Unknown file in Winsock LSP: c:\windows\system32\bfllr.dll
O16 - DPF: {140E4DF8-9E14-4A34-9577-C77561ED7883} (SysInfo Class) - http://content.systemrequirementslab.com.s…ent_4.3.1.0.cab
O16 - DPF: {1842B0EE-B597-11D4-8997-00104BD12D94} (iCC Class) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/pcpConnCheck.cab
O16 - DPF: {1E54D648-B804-468d-BC78-4AFFED8E262F} (System Requirements Lab) - http://www.nvidia.com/content/DriverDownlo…sreqlab_nvd.cab
O16 - DPF: {406B5949-7190-4245-91A9-30A17DE16AD0} (Snapfish Activia) - http://photos.walmart.com/WalmartActivia.cab
O16 - DPF: {4871A87A-BFDD-4106-8153-FFDE2BAC2967} (DLM Control) - http://dlm.tools.akamai.com/dlmanager/vers…vex-2.2.5.0.cab
O16 - DPF: {5D86DDB5-BDF9-441B-9E9E-D4730F4EE499} (BDSCANONLINE Control) - http://download.bitdefender.com/resources/scan8/oscan8.cab
O16 - DPF: {67A5F8DC-1A4B-4D66-9F24-A704AD929EEE} (System Requirements Lab) - http://www.nvidia.com/content/DriverDownlo…/sysreqlab2.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdat…b?1238750694875
O16 - DPF: {6E704581-CCAE-46D2-9C64-20D724B3624E} (UnagiAx Class) - http://radaol-prod-web-rr.streamops.aol.co…agi3.0.84.2.cab
O16 - DPF: {74DBCB52-F298-4110-951D-AD2FF67BC8AB} (NVIDIA Smart Scan) - http://www.nvidia.com/content/DriverDownlo…iaSmartScan.cab
O16 - DPF: {7530BFB8-7293-4D34-9923-61A11451AFC5} (OnlineScanner Control) - http://download.eset.com/special/eos/OnlineScanner.cab
O16 - DPF: {A90A5822-F108-45AD-8482-9BC8B12DD539} (Crucial cpcScan) - http://www.crucial.com/controls/cpcScanner.cab
O16 - DPF: {CF40ACC5-E1BB-4AFF-AC72-04C2F616BCA7} (get_atlcom Class) - http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/nos/gp.cab
O16 - DPF: {E06E2E99-0AA1-11D4-ABA6-0060082AA75C} (GpcContainer Class) - https://bbproductions2.webex.com/client/T26…ent/ieatgpc.cab
O18 - Protocol: grooveLocalGWS - {88FED34C-F0CA-4636-A375-3CB6248B04CD} - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveSystemServices.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Browseui preloader - {438755C2-A8BA-11D1-B96B-00A0C90312E1} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O22 - SharedTaskScheduler: Component Categories cache daemon - {8C7461EF-2B13-11d2-BE35-3078302C2030} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\browseui.dll
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Scheduler (AntiVirSchedulerService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\sched.exe
O23 - Service: Avira AntiVir Guard (AntiVirService) - Avira GmbH - C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avguard.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Intel® Quick Resume Technology Drivers (ELService) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\IntelDH\Intel® Quick Resume Technology\ELService.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: Killer Port Manager - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Bigfoot Networks\Killer Driver\PortManager.exe
O23 - Service: Performance Service (nTuneService) - NVIDIA - C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\nTune\nTuneService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (nvsvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: PnkBstrA - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
O23 - Service: PrismXL - New Boundary Technologies, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\New Boundary\PrismXL\PRISMXL.SYS
O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared files\RichVideo.exe
O23 - Service: TomTomHOMEService - TomTom - C:\Program Files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe
O23 - Service: Update Center Service (UpdateCenterService) - NVIDIA - C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\System Update\UpdateCenterService.exe
O23 - Service: WAN Miniport (ATW) Service (WANMiniportService) - America Online, Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\wanmpsvc.exe

–
End of file - 11704 bytes
Posted Image


DO NOT use any TOOLS such as Combofix or HijackThis fixes without supervision.

Doing so could make your pc inoperatible and could require a full reinstall of your OS, losing all your programs and data.


Vista and Windows 7 users:
1. These tools MUST be run from the executable. (.exe) every time you run them
2. With Admin Rights (Right click, choose "Run as Administrator")


Stay with this topic until I give you the all clean post.

You might want to print these instructions out.

I suggest you do this:

XP Users

Double-click My Computer.
Click the Tools menu, and then click Folder Options.
Click the View tab.
Uncheck "Hide file extensions for known file types."
Under the "Hidden files" folder, select "Show hidden files and folders."
Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files."
Click Apply, and then click OK.


Vista Users

To enable the viewing of hidden and protected system files in Windows Vista please follow these steps:

Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
Click on the Start button. This is the small round button with the Windows flag in the lower left corner.

Click on the Control Panel menu option.
When the control panel opens you can either be in Classic View or Control Panel Home view:

If you are in the Classic View do the following:
Double-click on the Folder Options icon.
Click on the View tab.


If you are in the Control Panel Home view do the following:

Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
Click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.
Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.
Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.



Please do not delete anything unless instructed to.


I've been seeing some Java infections lately.

Go here and follow the instructions to clear your Java Cache
http://www.java.com/en/download/help/plugin_cache.xml


Next:

Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune.
Download - ATF Cleaner»
Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox browser

Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
If you use Opera browserClick Opera at the top and choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.
NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.
Click Exit on the Main menu to close the program.


It's normal after running ATF cleaner that the PC will be slower to boot the first time or two.

Next:

Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop.


  • Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
    [external image: Posted Image]
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • [external image: Posted Image]
  • Then click Remove Selected .
  • When completed, a log will open in Notepad. Please save it to a convenient location and post the results.
  • Note: If you receive a notice that some of the items couldn't be removed, that they have been added to the delete on reboot list, please reboot.


Also please describe how your computer behaves at the moment.


Please don't attach the scans / logs, use "copy/paste".
PC appears to be acting fine. log below. Thanks Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.46 www.malwarebytes.org Database version: 5157 Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702 11/20/2010 1:52:33 PM mbam-log-2010-11-20 (13-52-33).txt Scan type: Quick scan Objects scanned: 153543 Time elapsed: 7 minute(s), 20 second(s) Memory Processes Infected: 0 Memory Modules Infected: 0 Registry Keys Infected: 0 Registry Values Infected: 0 Registry Data Items Infected: 0 Folders Infected: 0 Files Infected: 1 Memory Processes Infected: (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: (No malicious items detected) Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\scgdfgasfbh.bat (Malware.Trace) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
Lets see if anything is hiding

Download ComboFix from one of these locations:

Link 1
Link 2 If using this link, Right Click and select Save As.


* IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop


  • Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. Note: If you are having difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, or are unsure as to what programs need to be disabled, please refer to the information available through this link : Protective Programs

  • Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.

    Notes: Combofix will run without the Recovery Console installed. Skip the Recovery Console part if you're running Vista or Windows 7.

    Note: If you have SP3, use the SP2 package.
    If Vista or Windows 7, skip the Recovery Console part

  • As part of it's process, ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed. With malware infections being as they are today, it's strongly recommended to have this pre-installed on your machine before doing any malware removal. It will allow you to boot up into a special recovery/repair mode that will allow us to more easily help you should your computer have a problem after an attempted removal of malware.
  • Follow the prompts to allow ComboFix to download and install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console, and when prompted, agree to the End-User License Agreement to install the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console.

**Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will continue it's malware removal procedures.


[external image: Posted Image]



Once the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed using ComboFix, you should see the following message:

[external image: Posted Image]


Click on Yes, to continue scanning for malware.

When finished, it shall produce a log for you. Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt using Copy / Paste in your next reply.


Notes:

1.Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. ComboFix may reset a number of Internet Explorer's settings, including making I-E the default browser.
3. Combofix prevents autorun of ALL CD, floppy and USB devices to assist with malware removal & increase security. If this is an issue or makes it difficult for you – please tell your helper.
4. CF disconnects your machine from the internet. The connection is automatically restored before CF completes its run. If CF runs into difficulty and terminates prematurely, the connection can be manually restored by restarting your machine.

Give it atleast 20-30 minutes to finish if needed.

Please do not attach the scan results from Combofx. Use copy/paste.

Also please describe how your computer behaves at the moment.
here is my Log file, pc appears to be working ok. thanks ComboFix 10-11-20.06 - Administrator 11/21/2010 4:37.5.2 - x86 Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.3.1252.1.1033.18.3069.2625 [GMT -5:00] Running from: c:\documents and settings\[removed]\Desktop\ComboFix.exe AV: AntiVir Desktop *On-access scanning disabled* (Updated) {AD166499-45F9-482A-A743-FDD3350758C7} . ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Other Deletions ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) . c:\documents and settings\Administrator\Application Data\.# c:\windows\Tasks\At1.job c:\windows\Tasks\At10.job c:\windows\Tasks\At11.job c:\windows\Tasks\At12.job c:\windows\Tasks\At13.job c:\windows\Tasks\At14.job c:\windows\Tasks\At15.job c:\windows\Tasks\At16.job c:\windows\Tasks\At17.job c:\windows\Tasks\At18.job c:\windows\Tasks\At19.job c:\windows\Tasks\At2.job c:\windows\Tasks\At20.job c:\windows\Tasks\At21.job c:\windows\Tasks\At22.job c:\windows\Tasks\At23.job c:\windows\Tasks\At24.job c:\windows\Tasks\At3.job c:\windows\Tasks\At4.job c:\windows\Tasks\At5.job c:\windows\Tasks\At6.job c:\windows\Tasks\At7.job c:\windows\Tasks\At8.job c:\windows\Tasks\At9.job . ((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2010-10-21 to 2010-11-21 ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) . 2010-11-11 18:40 . 2010-11-11 19:02 240592 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvdrsdb0.bin 2010-11-11 18:40 . 2010-11-11 19:02 1 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvdrssel.bin 2010-11-11 18:40 . 2010-11-11 18:54 240592 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvdrsdb1.bin 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 61440 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\OpenCL.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 4882432 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcuda.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 2932840 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcuvid.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 2666600 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcuvenc.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 2293194 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvdata.bin 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 14532608 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvoglnt.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 1462272 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvapi.dll 2010-11-11 18:32 . 2010-10-16 18:55 13012992 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcompiler.dll 2010-11-11 17:56 . 2010-11-11 17:56 ——– d—–w- c:\windows\system32\wbem\Repository 2010-11-11 14:05 . 2010-10-16 18:55 888424 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvdispco32.dll 2010-11-11 14:05 . 2010-10-16 18:55 813672 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvgenco32.dll 2010-11-11 13:52 . 2010-11-11 14:18 ——– d—–w- c:\program files\Microsoft Silverlight 2010-11-11 13:51 . 2010-11-11 13:51 ——– d—–w- c:\documents and settings\All Users\Application Data\Driver Whiz 2010-11-11 13:51 . 2010-11-11 13:52 ——– d—–w- c:\program files\MSN Toolbar Installer 2010-11-11 12:14 . 2010-11-11 12:14 ——– d—–w- c:\documents and settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Activision 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-06-02 09:55 74072 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\XAPOFX1_5.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-06-02 09:55 527192 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\XAudio2_7.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-06-02 09:55 239960 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\xactengine3_7.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-05-26 16:41 2106216 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\D3DCompiler_43.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-05-26 16:41 1868128 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\d3dcsx_43.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-05-26 16:41 470880 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\d3dx10_43.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-05-26 16:41 248672 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\d3dx11_43.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-05-26 16:41 1998168 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\D3DX9_43.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-02-04 15:01 74072 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\XAPOFX1_4.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-02-04 15:01 528216 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\XAudio2_6.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-02-04 15:01 238936 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\xactengine3_6.dll 2010-11-11 11:57 . 2010-02-04 15:01 22360 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\X3DAudio1_7.dll . (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) . 2010-11-02 12:29 . 2010-07-13 17:52 60936 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\avgntflt.sys 2010-11-02 12:29 . 2010-07-13 17:52 126856 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\avipbb.sys 2010-10-16 18:55 . 2007-10-03 18:22 6359552 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nv4_disp.dll 2010-10-16 18:55 . 2007-10-03 18:21 9623680 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\nv4_mini.sys 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 81920 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvwddi.dll 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 277608 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvmccs.dll 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 13851752 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcpl.dll 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 110696 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvmctray.dll 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 156776 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvsvc32.exe 2010-10-16 17:04 . 2010-10-16 17:04 145000 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\nvcolor.exe 2010-09-18 16:23 . 2007-10-03 18:08 974848 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc42u.dll 2010-09-18 06:53 . 2007-10-03 18:08 974848 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc42.dll 2010-09-18 06:53 . 2007-10-03 18:08 953856 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc40u.dll 2010-09-18 06:53 . 2007-10-03 18:08 954368 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\mfc40.dll 2010-09-15 08:50 . 2010-07-05 14:00 472808 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\deployJava1.dll 2010-09-15 06:29 . 2010-07-05 14:00 73728 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\javacpl.cpl 2010-09-10 05:58 . 2007-10-03 18:10 916480 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\wininet.dll 2010-09-10 05:58 . 2007-10-03 18:08 43520 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\licmgr10.dll 2010-09-10 05:58 . 2007-10-03 18:07 1469440 ——w- c:\windows\system32\inetcpl.cpl 2010-09-08 15:17 . 2010-09-08 15:17 94208 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\QuickTimeVR.qtx 2010-09-08 15:17 . 2010-09-08 15:17 69632 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\QuickTime.qts 2010-09-01 11:51 . 2007-10-03 18:06 285824 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\atmfd.dll 2010-08-31 13:42 . 2007-10-03 18:10 1852800 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\win32k.sys 2010-08-27 08:02 . 2007-10-03 18:10 119808 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\t2embed.dll 2010-08-27 05:57 . 2007-10-03 18:10 99840 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\srvsvc.dll 2010-08-26 13:39 . 2007-10-03 18:10 357248 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\drivers\srv.sys 2010-08-26 12:52 . 2009-04-15 10:47 5120 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\xpsp4res.dll 2010-08-23 16:12 . 2007-10-03 18:06 617472 —-a-w- c:\windows\system32\comctl32.dll . ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) . . *Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown REGEDIT4 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] "NBJ"="c:\program files\Ahead\Nero BackItUp\NBJ.exe" [2005-06-02 1957888] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] "NvCplDaemon"="c:\windows\system32\NvCpl.dll" [2010-10-16 13851752] "SunJavaUpdateSched"="c:\program files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe" [2010-05-14 248552] "RemoteControl"="c:\program files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe" [2004-11-03 32768] "Reminder"="c:\windows\Creator\Remind_XP.exe" [2005-02-26 966656] "nwiz"="c:\program files\NVIDIA Corporation\nView\nwiz.exe" [2010-08-26 1753192] "iTunesHelper"="c:\program files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe" [2010-09-24 421160] "ehTray"="c:\windows\ehome\ehtray.exe" [2005-08-06 64512] "avgnt"="c:\program files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avgnt.exe" [2010-11-02 281768] "Pure Networks Port Magic"="c:\progra~1\PURENE~1\PORTMA~1\PortAOL.exe" [2004-06-30 99480] "NvMediaCenter"="c:\windows\system32\NvMcTray.dll" [2010-10-16 110696] "NeroFilterCheck"="c:\windows\system32\NeroCheck.exe" [2001-07-09 155648] "GrooveMonitor"="c:\program files\Microsoft Office\Office12\GrooveMonitor.exe" [2008-10-25 31072] "CTHelper"="CTHELPER.EXE" [2006-12-12 19456] "AlwaysReady Power Message APP"="ARPWRMSG.EXE" [2005-08-02 77312] "QuickTime Task"="c:\program files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" [2010-09-08 421888] [HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk] path=c:\documents and settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk backup=c:\windows\pss\Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnkCommon Startup [HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^BigFix.lnk] path=c:\documents and settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\BigFix.lnk backup=c:\windows\pss\BigFix.lnkCommon Startup [HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk] path=c:\documents and settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk backup=c:\windows\pss\HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnkCommon Startup [HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk] path=c:\documents and settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk backup=c:\windows\pss\HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnkCommon Startup [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\AOLDialer] 2006-10-23 12:50 71216 —-a-r- c:\program files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Gateway Extended Warranty] 2004-02-08 23:30 73728 -c–a-w- c:\program files\Gateway\GWCares\gwcares.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HostManager] 2010-02-10 13:19 41800 —-a-w- c:\program files\Common Files\AOL\1230928404\ee\aolsoftware.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HP Component Manager] 2004-05-12 19:18 241664 -c–a-w- c:\program files\HP\hpcoretech\hpcmpmgr.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\HP Software Update] 2004-02-12 17:38 49152 -c–a-w- c:\program files\HP\HP Software Update\hpwuSchd2.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\MSMSGS] 2008-04-14 00:12 1695232 ——w- c:\program files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\QuickTime Task] 2010-09-08 15:17 421888 —-a-w- c:\program files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\TomTomHOME.exe] 2009-08-27 15:05 247144 -c–a-w- c:\program files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMERunner.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\updateMgr] 2006-03-30 20:45 313472 -c–a-r- c:\program files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\services] "NCUpdateSvc"=2 (0x2) "helpsvc"=2 (0x2) "Apple Mobile Device"=2 (0x2) "AOL ACS"=2 (0x2) "Alerter"=2 (0x2) [HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpolicy\standardprofile\AuthorizedApplications\List] "c:\\Program Files\\America Online 9.0\\waol.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\America Online 9.0\\aol.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\TomTom HOME 2\\TomTomHOME.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Messenger\\msmsgs.exe"= "c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\PnkBstrA.exe"= "c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\PnkBstrB.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\ACS\\AOLDial.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\ACS\\AOLAcsd.exe"= "%windir%\\Network Diagnostic\\xpnetdiag.exe"= "c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\dpvsetup.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\CyberLink\\MediaShow4\\MediaShow.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\1230928404\\ee\\aolsoftware.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\AOL 9.1\\waol.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\TopSpeed\\3.0\\aoltpsd3.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\Loader\\aolload.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Common Files\\AOL\\System Information\\sinf.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office12\\OUTLOOK.EXE"= "c:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office12\\GROOVE.EXE"= "c:\\Program Files\\Microsoft Office\\Office12\\ONENOTE.EXE"= "c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\sessmgr.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Activision\\Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare\\iw3mp.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\AGrcon\\PBUCON\\pbucon.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Steam\\steam.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\AOL 9.5\\waol.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Steam\\SteamApps\\common\\call of duty modern warfare 2\\iw4sp.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Steam\\SteamApps\\common\\call of duty modern warfare 2\\iw4mp.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Bonjour\\mDNSResponder.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\iTunes\\iTunes.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Steam\\SteamApps\\common\\call of duty black ops\\BlackOpsMP.exe"= "c:\\Program Files\\Steam\\SteamApps\\common\\call of duty black ops\\BlackOps.exe"= [HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpolicy\standardprofile\IcmpSettings] "AllowInboundEchoRequest"= 1 (0x1) R2 AntiVirSchedulerService;Avira AntiVir Scheduler;c:\program files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\sched.exe [7/13/2010 12:52 PM 135336] R2 TomTomHOMEService;TomTomHOMEService;c:\program files\TomTom HOME 2\TomTomHOMEService.exe [8/27/2009 10:05 AM 92008] R3 DAdderFltr;DeathAdder Mouse;c:\windows\system32\drivers\dadder.sys [1/26/2008 1:40 PM 22784] R3 LycoFltr;Lycosa Keyboard;c:\windows\system32\drivers\Lycosa.sys [5/19/2009 9:55 AM 16128] R3 NetB834x;Killer NIC Gaming Adapter Service;c:\windows\system32\drivers\NetB834x.sys [9/17/2008 1:40 PM 107424] R3 NetbEdge;Killer NIC NDIS-Edge Service;c:\windows\system32\drivers\NetBEdge.sys [9/17/2008 1:40 PM 22048] R3 nvoclock;NVIDIA Enthusiasts Platform KDM;c:\windows\system32\drivers\nvoclock.sys [3/9/2009 11:25 AM 38304] S2 Killer Port Manager;Killer Port Manager;c:\program files\Bigfoot Networks\Killer Driver\PortManager.exe [7/10/2009 5:44 AM 236544] S3 CyUsb;Cypress Generic USB Driver;c:\windows\system32\drivers\CYUSB.sys [1/26/2008 1:40 PM 31104] S3 PINNMB;Pinnacle MovieBox USB;c:\windows\system32\drivers\pinnmb.sys [10/12/2009 12:55 PM 31104] . Contents of the 'Scheduled Tasks' folder 2010-11-06 c:\windows\Tasks\AppleSoftwareUpdate.job - c:\program files\Apple Software Update\SoftwareUpdate.exe [2008-07-30 16:34] 2009-07-09 c:\windows\Tasks\Spybot - Search & Destroy - Scheduled Task.job - c:\program files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe [2009-07-10 19:31] 2010-11-21 c:\windows\Tasks\User_Feed_Synchronization-{D45AA000-0BFE-4C78-9D27-1423A7AAFE12}.job - c:\windows\system32\msfeedssync.exe [2006-10-17 08:31] . . ——- Supplementary Scan ——- . uStart Page = hxxp://www.google.com/ uSearchMigratedDefaultURL = hxxp://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8 uInternet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local uSearchAssistant = hxxp://www.google.com/ie uSearchURL,(Default) = hxxp://www.google.com/search?q=%s IE: &AOL Toolbar Search - c:\program files\aol\aol toolbar 5.0\resources\en-US\local\search.html IE: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - c:\progra~1\MICROS~4\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000 LSP: %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\BfLLR.dll DPF: {140E4DF8-9E14-4A34-9577-C77561ED7883} - hxxp://content.systemrequirementslab.com.s3.amazonaws.com/global/bin/srldetect_client_4.3.1.0.cab . - - - - ORPHANS REMOVED - - - - Toolbar-{59EDDB9B-5506-42A2-A73A-1364EDB1CB38} - (no file) ShellExecuteHooks-{5AE067D3-9AFB-48E0-853A-EBB7F4A000DA} - (no file) MSConfigStartUp-swg - c:\program files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe ************************************************************************** scanning hidden processes … scanning hidden autostart entries … scanning hidden files … scan completed successfully hidden files: ************************************************************************** . ——————— LOCKED REGISTRY KEYS ——————— [HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1244689910-1641059021-2714566750-500\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\User Preferences] @Denied: (2) (Administrator) "88D7D0879DAB32E14DE5B3A805A34F98AFF34F5977"=hex:01,00,00,00,d0,8c,9d,df,01,15, d1,11,8c,7a,00,c0,4f,c2,97,eb,01,00,00,00,12,b5,30,89,f1,69,d3,4d,83,41,3e,\ "2D53CFFC5C1A3DD2E97B7979AC2A92BD59BC839E81"=hex:01,00,00,00,d0,8c,9d,df,01,15, d1,11,8c,7a,00,c0,4f,c2,97,eb,01,00,00,00,12,b5,30,89,f1,69,d3,4d,83,41,3e,\ [HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-1244689910-1641059021-2714566750-500\Software\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\AddressBook*] @Allowed: (Read) (RestrictedCode) @Allowed: (Read) (RestrictedCode) [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\CLSID\{A483C63A-CDBC-426E-BF93-872502E8144E}] @Denied: (A 2) (Everyone) @="FlashBroker" "LocalizedString"="@c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\Macromed\\Flash\\FlashUtil10l_ActiveX.exe,-101" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\CLSID\{A483C63A-CDBC-426E-BF93-872502E8144E}\Elevation] "Enabled"=dword:00000001 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\CLSID\{A483C63A-CDBC-426E-BF93-872502E8144E}\LocalServer32] @="c:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\Macromed\\Flash\\FlashUtil10l_ActiveX.exe" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\CLSID\{A483C63A-CDBC-426E-BF93-872502E8144E}\TypeLib] @="{FAB3E735-69C7-453B-A446-B6823C6DF1C9}" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\Interface\{E3F2C3CB-5EB8-4A04-B22C-7E3B4B6AF30F}] @Denied: (A 2) (Everyone) @="IFlashBroker4" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\Interface\{E3F2C3CB-5EB8-4A04-B22C-7E3B4B6AF30F}\ProxyStubClsid32] @="{00020424-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\Classes\Interface\{E3F2C3CB-5EB8-4A04-B22C-7E3B4B6AF30F}\TypeLib] @="{FAB3E735-69C7-453B-A446-B6823C6DF1C9}" "Version"="1.0" . ——————— DLLs Loaded Under Running Processes ——————— - - - - - - - > 'lsass.exe'(924) c:\windows\system32\BfLLR.dll . Completion time: 2010-11-21 04:45:23 ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt 2010-11-21 09:45 Pre-Run: 156,867,653,632 bytes free Post-Run: 156,842,553,344 bytes free WindowsXP-KB310994-SP2-Pro-BootDisk-ENU.exe [boot loader] default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] c:\cmdcons\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons UnsupportedDebug="do not select this" /debug multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Media Center Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptOut - - End Of File - - 2A64DC2B815729849E6D5A6C816CB8A1
Good job :thumbup:

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

For XP:
  • Click START run
  • Now type ComboFix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.

For Vista / Windows 7
  • Click START Search
  • Now type ComboFix /Uninstall in the runbox and click OK. Note the space between the X and the U, it needs to be there.


Here's my usual all clean post

To be on the safe side, I would also change all my passwords.

This infection appears to have been cleaned, but as the malware could be configured to run any program a remote attacker requires, it's impossible to be 100% sure that any machine is clean.


Log looks good :D


  • Make your Internet Explorer more secure - This can be done by following these simple instructions:
    • From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
    • Click once on the Security tab
    • Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
    • Click once on the Custom Level button.
    • Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
    • Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
    • Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
    • Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
    • Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
    • Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
    • When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
    • If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
    • Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.
  • Update your AntiVirus Software - It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week
    (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

  • Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer.
    Without a firewall your computer is succeptible to being hacked and taken over.
    I am very serious about this and see it happen almost every day with my clients.
    Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly.


  • WOT , Web of Trust, As 'Googling' is such an integral part of internet life, this free browser add on warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. It is especially helpful when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:
    Green to go
    Yellow for caution
    Red to stop
    WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and IE.



  • Visit Microsoft's Windows Update Site Frequently - It is important that you visit http://www.windowsupdate.com regularly.
    This will ensure your computer has always the latest security updates available installed on your computer.
    If there are new updates to install, install them immediately, reboot your computer, and revisit the site
    until there are no more critical updates.

Only run one Anti-Virus and Firewall program.


I would suggest you read:
PC Safety and Security–What Do I Need?.
How to Prevent Malware:

Ask AI

AI can make mistakes. Check the cited posts. Archived advice can be out-of-date

Don't include personal information. Questions and selected public posts go to OpenAI. About Ask AI